The story
In Chicago's Logan Square, Lardon is a testament to time-honored traditions and the art of the whole animal. Housed in a meticulously restored 110-year-old building on California Ave., this all-day restaurant from Meadowlark Hospitality offers a rare glimpse into the craft of charcuterie. The space, with exposed brick, original wood joists, and restored honeycomb tile floors, feels both historic and welcoming—a deliberate contrast to the hurried pace of modern life.
At its core, Lardon is a charcuterie house. The team sources whole animals from Midwest farmers and purveyors, then transforms them into an ever-expanding roster of salumi and cured meats. A large window into the “charcuterie cave” lets diners witness the lengthy curing process firsthand. This dedication to craft and value earned Lardon a Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing its excellent, reasonably priced cooking.
The menu shifts with the day. Mornings begin with espresso from Metropolis Coffee and housemade pastries. Lunch brings hot and cold sandwiches, while evening transforms the room into a French-inspired bistro. Thursday through Saturday, guests can opt for a 4-course prix fixe dinner at $50, with seasonal menus that rotate weekly. Rounding out the experience is a beverage program rooted in aperitivo culture—featuring an expansive amari list, rotating draft beers, and seasonal cocktails.
This is a restaurant that knows good things take time. Whether you stop in for a lunchtime sandwich of house-cured meats or settle in for a multi-course dinner, Lardon brings a warm, concrete sense of place and purpose to Chicago’s dining scene.
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